"Melancholy" vs. "sorrow": subtle currents of emotion

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 26/02/2025, 10:02

English.me team member

Melancholy and sorrow. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "melancholy" and "sorrow" are terms that describe feelings of sadness and emotional pain. They are often associated with themes of grief, loss, or reflective contemplation on unhappy events.

What is different?

"Melancholy" typically refers to a deep, reflective, and sometimes enduring sadness that may not have a specific cause, often carrying a poetic or wistful connotation. "Sorrow" denotes a profound feeling of distress or sadness usually in response to a specific loss or misfortune.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Melancholy

She felt a sense of melancholy as she walked through the old neighborhood.
The melancholic tune of the piano echoed through the empty hall.
A melancholy mood settled over him during the rainy afternoon.

Sorrow

He was consumed by sorrow after hearing the tragic news.
Their faces showed deep sorrow at the memorial service.
She couldn't hide her sorrow when she said goodbye.